Ruthless Anthony McGill gave 16-year-old Scot Sophie Nix no chance of causing a shock on her professional debut at snooker’s Shoot Out
Former champion McGill beat the Saltcoats teen, who is the women’s under-21 world number one, 40-7 on the opening day of the tournament in Leicester – despite taunts from a raucous crowd over his style of play. With commentators admitting that Nix had been given no opportunity to create an upset on the biggest day of her fledgling career in the uniquely fast-paced event by Clydebank man McGill – who memorably knocked Ronnie O’Sullivan out of the World Championships in 2021.
Eurosport pundit, and former pro, Steven Hallworth labelled the tie “a nightmare draw” for Nix, saying: “If you could say that there was a nightmare draw then she’s probably had it. Anthony McGill is very good in this format, he’s very level-headed and stays very calm in the high pressurised moments. Ultimately he thinks very clearly out there.”
Despite shouts of ‘boring’ from the crowd for some safe play, McGill ensured didn’t fall at the first hurdle with a commanding showing, and earned praise from commentator Philip Studd who said: “That’s why he’s gone all the way to the title in the past. Low risk snooker and playing the percentages.
“It’s one of the real benefits of this tournament, it gives young players the opportunity to get a taste of playing in an atmosphere like this on the big stage, on television against one of the established pros and a proven winner.”
Speaking before the clash, Sophie said: “I’m really excited, I’ve never done anything like it before, so it will be a good experience for me. I hope to inspire younger female players to pick up a cue and start tournaments. I play better when I play quick and when I play under pressure.”
Elsewhere in the tournament, which is played over just one frame and to strict time limits, Edinburgh potter Ross Muir was whitewashed 68-0 by defending champion Mark Allen, and Glasgow’s Dean Young also crashed to a 51-1 loss to Austrian amateur Florian NüBle.